The Sunday Mail
THE ZANU PF National People’s Conference is a significant platform for the ruling party to reflect on its commitment to upholding constitutional principles and advancing democratic governance in Zimbabwe.
Farai Marapira
The meeting reflects the importance of constitutionalism within the party, highlighting its revolutionary evolution, achievements and future prospects.
ZANU PF has been holding its annual conferences since its formative years in the early 1960s.
These conferences are significant as they provide a platform for the party’s leadership to reflect on its achievements and failures, and set the stage to chart future goals.
In the early days, ZANU PF conferences were often held in secret due to the oppressive Rhodesian regime, which denied the majority blacks fundamental rights to assemble and participate in political affairs.
It was not until the end of the Second Chimurenga that the party was able to hold its conferences publicly.
During the first two decades of independence — from 1980 to 2000 — the conferences mostly focused on dealing with the remnants of colonialism while setting the stage for the rebirth of a young black-led democracy.
The central theme of most of these conferences was the “people’s struggle”, with focus on the fight against imperialism and neo-colonialism.
The 2000s saw a shift, with the conferences becoming more focused on economic and social issues.
The 2000 conference, for example, was themed “Towards a Prosperous and Empowered Zimbabwe”, while the 2010 one ran under the theme “Soaring to Greater Heights in Unity and Development”.
ZANU PF’s struggle to empower all citizens — regardless of race, tribe or gender — and uplift the poor was fully embodied by the distribution of land through the fast-track land reform programme, which corrected colonial imbalances and achieved the major cardinal pillar of the liberation struggle.
The just-ended 20th ZANU PF National People’s Conference came in line with the aspirations of Vision 2030, as championed by His Excellency, Dr Mnangagwa.
The ZANU PF conferences, although attentive to internal party issues, have a significant impact on the wider political landscape of Zimbabwe.
They provide an opportunity for the party to address issues affecting the country and make policy decisions that can shape the direction of the nation.
The ZANU PF conferences stand as a testament to the party’s dedication to democratic values and the principles enshrined in the Constitution.
The meetings provide a space for comprehensive discussions, constructive debates and decision-making processes that reflect the will of the people.
In addition, the conferences play a crucial role in ensuring the accountability and transparency of ZANU PF’s internal structures.
Through robust debates and resolutions, the party continually enhances its constitutional framework, empowering its leadership and grassroots members alike.
At the core of the annual conference is the development and refinement of policies that address the socio-economic challenges faced by Zimbabwe.
These policies adhere to constitutional provisions, fostering inclusivity, sustainable development and social justice.
The conference bolsters the party’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, as mandated by the Constitution.
It also serves as a platform for advocating equal representation, nurturing emerging leaders and ensuring voices of all Zimbabweans are heard.
Throughout the years, ZANU PF has also been committed to promoting gender equality and inclusivity at its conferences.
The party recognises that women and marginalised groups have often been underrepresented in decision-making processes, and, as such, has made a conscious effort to create space for their participation.
Gender and demographic balance have always been a key aspect of ZANU PF’s agenda, and through various platforms, including conferences, the party has sought to promote and create policies that promote egalitarianism.
The party has always held democracy as a key goal, one of the many aspirations of the liberation struggle, which fought for political and economic independence from British colonial rule.
One of ZANU PF’s main objectives has been to promote participatory democracy, where citizens actively engage in the political process and have a say in how the country is run.
The party has used its conferences to engage various stakeholders — including civil society, labour unions and other revolutionary sister political parties — to discuss and find ways to strengthen democratic values.
The discussions have centred on issues such as the protection of human rights, freedom of expression and the rule of law, among other fundamental human rights.
The revolutionary ZANU PF has used its conferences to promote peace and stability in the country.
The liberation struggle was fought to create a peaceful and prosperous nation, where all citizens could thrive.
As such, the party recognises the importance of maintaining stability and has consistently engaged in dialogue with opposition parties and other stakeholders to ensure the country remains peaceful in the interest of its citizens.
The ZANU PF annual conferences also recognise the importance of engaging with civil society organisations and various stakeholders.
This engagement promotes dialogue, inclusivity and collaboration towards achieving national goals aligned with constitutional moralities.
Through the annual conferences, the party must remain committed to addressing the challenges ahead, including the illegal sanctions imposed on the nation.
Further, the ZANU PF conference serves as a vital pillar in the party’s unremitting journey of constitutionalism.
It exhibits ZANU PF’s commitment to democratic values, policy development and empowerment of all Zimbabweans.
By upholding the Constitution, engaging with diverse stakeholders and addressing emerging challenges, ZANU PF paves the way for a prosperous, inclusive and democratic Zimbabwe, which explains why it remains the party of choice in Zimbabwe.
Farai Muroiwa Marapira is the ZANU PF director for information and publicity.
